Zenith Bank Plc’s Stellar First Half 2025 Performance: A Testament to Strategic Growth and Resilience
Zenith Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, announced remarkable financial results for the first half of 2025, showcasing robust growth and enhanced profitability. The bank’s gross earnings surged by 20% to reach N2.5 trillion, compared to N2.1 trillion in the same period of 2024. This impressive performance was driven by a significant 60% increase in interest income, rising from N1.1 trillion to N1.8 trillion. This growth was attributed to the bank’s strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management. Furthermore, profit before tax reached an impressive N625.629 billion, while profit after tax stood at N532 billion. Earnings per share (EPS) reached N12.95, further solidifying the bank’s strong financial standing. As a result of this outstanding performance, the bank’s board approved an interim dividend of N1.25 per share, a 25% increase compared to the N1.00 paid in the first half of 2024. This underscores Zenith Bank’s commitment to rewarding shareholders and maintaining dividend payments despite the prevailing regulatory challenges within the industry.
A key factor contributing to Zenith Bank’s strong financial performance was the substantial growth in net interest income, which soared by an impressive 90% year-on-year, from N715 billion to N1.4 trillion. Non-interest income also played a significant role, contributing N613 billion during the same period. This diversified income stream demonstrates the bank’s ability to capitalize on various revenue-generating opportunities. Despite the challenges posed by the industry-wide exit of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) forbearance regime and the consequent higher provisioning requirements, Zenith Bank successfully navigated these headwinds and delivered exceptional results. The bank’s prudent risk management practices and strategic initiatives ensured the maintenance of a robust balance sheet with adequate capital buffers, positioning it for sustained growth and profitability in the future.
The bank’s total assets witnessed a steady expansion, reaching N31 trillion in June 2025, up from N30 trillion in December 2024. This growth further reinforces the stability and strength of Zenith Bank’s financial position. Customer confidence remained high, reflected in a 7% growth in deposits, rising from N22 trillion to N23 trillion during the same period. The bank’s loan book stood at N10.2 trillion in June 2025, compared to N11 trillion in December 2024. This controlled loan growth reflects the bank’s prudent lending practices and its focus on maintaining a healthy asset portfolio. The bank’s focus on asset quality yielded positive results, as the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio decreased significantly from 4.7% in December 2024 to 3.1% in June 2025. This improvement underscores Zenith Bank’s commitment to sound risk management practices and its proactive approach to managing credit risk.
Zenith Bank maintained strong capital adequacy and liquidity ratios, at 26% and 69% respectively, significantly exceeding regulatory requirements. This reinforces the bank’s financial strength and resilience, providing a solid foundation for future growth and expansion. Dr. Adaora Umeoji, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, expressed confidence in the bank’s performance and its future prospects. She highlighted the significant improvement in asset quality despite the challenges posed by the CBN forbearance regime exit. Dr. Umeoji emphasized the bank’s robust balance sheet and adequate capital buffers, which position it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities across its key markets.
Looking ahead, Dr. Umeoji expressed optimism about the bank’s growth trajectory for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. She emphasized the bank’s continued focus on innovation, digital transformation, and developing tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of its clients. Dr. Umeoji assured shareholders of continued value creation, leveraging emerging opportunities, and maintaining strategic growth with a strong emphasis on corporate governance. She also highlighted the bank’s consistent track record of improving dividend payments, even during challenging economic periods. This commitment to shareholder returns underscores Zenith Bank’s focus on creating long-term value for its investors.
Dr. Umeoji expressed confidence in maintaining the positive momentum achieved in the first half of 2025, while simultaneously upholding responsible leadership and delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders. This forward-looking approach emphasizes the bank’s dedication to sustainable growth and its commitment to creating value for all its stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors. Zenith Bank’s stellar first-half performance is a testament to its strategic focus, prudent risk management, and commitment to innovation. The bank’s strong financial position, coupled with its proactive approach to adapting to the evolving economic landscape, positions it well for continued success in the future.
